Okay-pop’s title tracks may acquire most of listeners’ consideration, however many album tracks are price equal highlight. I name these “buried treasures.”
Past this, Okay-pop’s albums ship 1000’s of extra tracks that accept a extra restricted viewers. It’s these songs that can change into part of my “battle of the b-sides” function.
On this function, I’ll be placing on my A&R hat and taking a pay attention to 5 randomly-selected Okay-pop b-sides. I’ll write a mini overview for every, together with a Bias Checklist score, and rank them from least to most favourite. The winner will be part of a particular Bias Checklist B-side playlist. Consider it like my very own little company, hand-selecting songs I’d prefer to pitch to my nonexistent artists!
You may take a look at all rounds of my Battle of the B-sides right here!
TNX – What If (2025)
TNX had a number of songs previous to What If that capitalize on this angsty pop/rock sound and it matches them effectively. It’s change into very fashionable this yr, inflicting the observe to lose a little bit of steam within the brief time period. However in the long run, What If’s melodies and efficiency are sturdy sufficient to endure. I actually just like the melodic refrain on this one. It has a pleasant sense of drama that spotlights the fellows’ underrated vocals.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Astro – Coronary heart Brew Love (2019)
Oh, how I miss Astro’s brilliant poppy sound! Even on an album that noticed them mature their type, they nonetheless handled followers to a few these bubblegum bops. Their vocal tones are so effectively suited to those fizzy tracks and Coronary heart Brew Love is at its greatest when it embraces full pop melody. I’m slightly thrown by its future bass influenced refrain, which appears to needlessly complicate the association when a extra buoyant sound would give the track added carry. Nonetheless, that is fairly nice.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
SHINee – You & I (2018)
SHINee’s Story Of Mild undertaking was bold and a bit uneven, however a powerful sense of solidarity powered each track. You & I is without doubt one of the slower moments on the three half album, providing a pensive sound that advantages from the group’s emotive efficiency and some melodic twists that hold curiosity excessive. The track blooms properly because it unfolds, constructing to an totally beautiful bridge highlighted by sparks of falsetto. It’s a really significant piece of music and simple to admire. I don’t play it typically, nevertheless it looks like an essential a part of their discography.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
PSY – Rock Will By no means Die (2017)
It appears a bit foolish to follow-up a really severe, essential SHINee observe with a blast of shallow ear sweet after which go on to charge the ear sweet increased, nevertheless it’s arduous to disclaim the enchantment of dumb, enjoyable pop hooks. PSY has loads of these in his arsenal and I particularly love when he croons a rock observe. This one’s even acquired an ultra-cheesy electrical guitar solo at its climax. If I’m imagining the kind of observe I’d flock towards after I want a lift of vitality, that is it!
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Luna – My Drugs (2016)
Luna’s Free Someone mini album has some nice dance bangers on it, so it’s a disgrace the subdued ballad My Drugs was the observe to pop up on shuffle immediately. This track can also be very achieved, after all, however I’m virtually all the time going to choose extra up-tempo materials. The observe itself is somewhat uneventful however fairly fairly and Luna has a superb voice so it’s all the time good to listen to her make full use of it. This seems like one thing you’d hearken to below an umbrella on a wet day.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Fifth: Luna – My Drugs
Fourth: TNX – What If
Third: Astro – Coronary heart Brew Love
Second: SHINee – You & I
First: PSY – Rock Will By no means Die
Congratulations to PSY’s Rock Will By no means Die – the sixty-ninth winner of my Battle of the B-sides!
Readers, what do you assume? Did you uncover any hidden gems? Depart your individual rating within the feedback!
